Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Future of NBA---Part 4

NBA正式封館了。雖然這並不絕對代表2011-2012球季會縮短或是取消(只要球員工會和球團老闆們能即時達成新的協議),但對於身為球迷的我們,只能默默祈禱。祈禱已經賺的很多的球員,和同樣賺很多的球團之間能儘快達成協議,然後給我們一個有82場例行賽的完整球季。

回到正題。今天要介紹的球員相當的多。除了版友“點撥”的兩名球員之外,還有其他幾名筆者突然想到,然後心裡覺得“啊,這個傢伙可不能漏掉”的Player to Watch。廢話不多說,我們趕快開始:

1. Patric Young


















6-9 245 pounds Florida So.
2011 Stat: 3.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 55.6 fg%

各位看到上面的數據之後,可能心裡會想:“一個單場平均得不到4分的大個,NCAA裡多的是,介紹他幹嘛?”

別讓他的數據遮蔽了你的雙眼。這個“手臂比一般人大腿還粗”的猛男,會是Florida大學明年球季非常重要的內線支柱!這位前McDonald's All-American,在他的大一球季中,主要擔任三名大四學長(Chandler Parsons, Vernon Macklin, Alex Tyus)的替補,每場比賽平均只有約18分鐘的出賽時間。在場上的時間,也輪不到他來進攻,而大多扮演苦力的角色,讓兩名主導進攻的後衛(Erving Walker & Kenny Boynton)可以無後顧之憂的盡情進攻。這也是為什麼他的數據並不出色的原因。

不過,明年將有很大的不同。在上述的三個大四生都已畢業離校的情況下,UF的內線高度可以說是嚴重不足,除了Young之外,只有另一個6呎10吋的Erik Murphy(他的弟弟Alex Murphy提前一年從高中畢業,明年球季將加入Duke大學)身高超過6呎9吋,但此君的球路算是個Strech 4,主要討生活的地方並不在油漆區內。換句話說,內線攻守的重擔,將完全落在Young的身上!以他的運動能力加上典型的大學4/5號身材,要在防守端補上學長離校後的空缺應該是沒有問題。但得分就是另一回事了。現階段的得分主要來自搶到進攻籃板後的補籃。單打的技巧和禁區內的腳步都還有待磨鍊。如果這部份的不足能夠利用這個暑假補強,將可以稍稍紓解明年UF外圍進攻的壓力。

註:Patric Young名列美國U19代表隊的一員,可惜沒有電視台轉播。不然將是我們可以好好觀察他的機會!

2. Brad Beal



















6-4 196 pounds
College: Florida

這個即將要take his talent to South Beach的大一新鮮人,可能是Florida大學近幾年最受矚目的新鮮人(即使包含上述的Patric Young)。儘管只有6呎4吋的身高,但是他非常出色的外線投射能力和運動能力,已經讓許多國外球評將他喻為“下一個Ray Allen”。(筆者個人認為,會不會變成下一個Ray Gun還有待觀察。但不管是長相,體型,還是球路倒是跟目前效力Los Angeles Clippers的Eric Gordon有幾分相似。)

Beal的加入,也讓Florida大學明年的後場看起來像這樣:Brad Beal+Erving Walker+Kenny Boynton (近兩年UF的不動後場組合。去年球季兩人單場平均得分分居隊中1, 2名。)+Mike Rosario(前McDonald's All-American,從Rutger大學轉學而來。09-10球季單場平均16.7分,為隊中得分王)。四名實力潛力兼具的後衛,組成了EPSN眼中全美排名第一的後場組合。明年球季Coach Donovan會不會以上述四個後衛搭配Patric Young擺出四小一大的陣容呢?拭目以待吧!


3. Kendall Marshall













6-4 197 pounds UNC So.
2011 Stat: 6.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.5 to, 41.8 fg%, 37.7 3p%

身為一個傳統的地板型後衛,Marshall在當今眾多體能勁爆的雙能衛中算是個異數,而且一點也不起眼。但是,如果我說他是上個球季UNC大翻身的關鍵人物,應該不會有太大爭議。跳投時看起來雙腳不離地,上籃時跳的也沒有一塊豆腐高的他,就是有本事帶領擁有一票天賦異稟的UNC在下半季打出盼若兩隊的成績!

究竟他有甚麼神奇的本事?讓我們先看看下面兩段影片:



沒錯!就是他的視野和傳球能力。比起前任先發控球後衛Larry Drew連把球帶到前場都有困難的窘境,Marshall不管是在快攻或是半場組織戰中,總是可以把球在對的時間,送到對的隊友手中。這樣的能力,不只讓UNC的三個鋒線(Tyler Zeller, John Henson, Harrison Barnes)得以在進攻上有所發揮,也讓全隊的進攻都活了起來!

不過,Marshall的球技也不是毫無缺點。他的投籃能力還有再進步的空間:雖然在北卡進攻點充足無虞的情況下,這個缺點其實並不明顯。但若要在NBA的層級打出一片天,他勢必得證明自己有穩定的投射能力。前UCONN的大學明星後衛Marcus Williams會是一個不錯的借鏡。

4. Myck Kabongo












6-2 160 pounds
College: Texas

經過重重波折的recruting process(決定加入Texas大學-->反悔,重新考慮-->下定決心回到Texas大學的懷抱),Kabongo加入Texas大學的時機,不知道是好,還是不好?

不好的地方在於,去年Texas大學的9人輪值中,唯二留校的是即將升上大三的6呎1吋後衛射手J'Covan Brown和要升上大五的Alexis Wangmene。四個扮演重要綠葉的大四畢業生離校(Gary Johnson, Dogus Balbay, Jai Lucas, Matt Hill),三個擔任中流砥柱的低年級生(Jordan Hamilton, Tristan Thompson, Cory Joseph)選擇棄學投入選秀。雖然會有6呎10吋的白色巨塔Clint Chapman歸隊(在去年鋒線人才濟濟的情況下,此君選擇redshirt一年,以求有更多上場機會),但整個球隊基本上算是屬於百廢待舉的情況...(他也喪失了和Joseph、Thompson在Texas組成加拿大三劍客的機會...)

好的地方在於,從Kevin Durant,D.J. Augustin,Avery Bradley...到今年的Thompson和Joseph,基本上Texas大學算是一個相當倚賴大一新鮮人的球隊。學長們都走光了的情況,剛好給了以Kabongo為首的一批大一新鮮人(6個人的recruiting class,ESPN和Scout.com都將這批新鮮人排在全美第4的高排名)一個完美的表現舞台,有足夠的上場時間,可以盡情揮灑。只要這批新鮮人能迅速的融入大學生活,並適應大學層級的比賽,我相信Texas大學在教練Rick Barnes的帶領下,還是大有可為的!

話題回到Kabongo身上。他和先前提過的Marquis Teague就是本屆高中畢業生控球後衛中的一、二名。至於誰一誰二,國外的媒體和球評有滿多的討論。現階段看來,球路方面:主要的差異在於Teague高中的比賽中展現較強的得分能力,像個combo guard;而Kabongo則展現了較佳的領導、組織技巧,較偏向傳統的控球後衛。兩者各有所長。至於體能方面,先前有提過Teague勁爆的體能,這邊就不再贅述。而Kabongo如何呢?只能說,雖然彈跳能力不像Teague那樣勁爆,但是飛快的速度、充滿爆發力的第一步可是有過之而無不及啊!

下個球季如果有機會看到Texas大學的比賽,應該會有很多Kabongo的畫面。讓我們期待這個大一新鮮人控球,可以帶領傳統強隊Texas走到哪裡嚕!




to be continued...

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Future of NBA--- Part 3

在選秀結束之後,NBA也正式進入了休兵期。球隊會開始擬定他們的補強計畫。球員也可以好好休息一下,讓身心從大半年的征戰中回復,或是飛到世界各地去幫球鞋廠商宣傳品牌。

那身為球迷的我們呢?有點可憐,如果你剛好也喜歡MLB,那很好。每天只要轉到ESPN或衛視體育台,你就有看不完的球賽。但如果很不巧的,你覺得棒球賽節奏緩慢,或是棒球服包的太緊無法展現運動員的完美線條(我倒是懷疑有誰會想看Prince Fielder就是了)而令人昏昏欲睡,那你只好去上PTT的NBA Film板收看數量眾多的Player highlight或mix解解渴,或是....來看我的部落格。

回到正題。前面兩篇文章花了一些篇幅介紹了五個NBA的未來之星。但別以為值得期待的潛力新秀只有他們五個。接下來會提到的幾個年輕小將,一樣值得你Keep your eyes on:

1. Austin Rivers



















6-4 198 pounds
College: Duke

身為UNC的球迷,當我得知剛出爐的選秀狀元Kyrie Irving要棄學時,我的心情只能用欣喜若狂來形容。主要的原因,不是因為他一個人會為UNC帶來多大的麻煩(這邊我有點誇飾。我相信Irving的確有本錢為UNC的防守製造很大的麻煩),而是因為他的棄學,意味著Duke將無法組成明年大學籃壇No.1的後場組合!Kyrie Irving的實力,現在我們都了然於心,那即將要投入Coach K麾下的這號人物,究竟是誰呢?

他就是Austin Rivers!高中生Class '11的第一號得分後衛!

集控球技巧,精準外線,犀利切入和勁爆體能於一身的Rivers,和前文提到的Michael Gilchrist一樣,成名很早。一樣早在大約15歲的時候,就得到來自Florida大學,Billy Donovan教練的Scholarship Offer,並且口頭承諾將加入Florida大學成為Gators的一員。這邊姑且先不論他的Recruiting process後來如何變化,能在僅僅15歲的年紀就得到來自籃球名校的入學邀請,就證明了他的潛力和當時展露出的未來性有多麼吸引人。

不像一些小時了了,大未必佳的高中明星,Rivers並沒有被高漲的名氣沖昏了頭。高中幾年下來,他持續在無數的錦標賽,邀請賽,訓練營中展現出優異的身手,也讓他在美國幾個主要的高中球員排名網站上(Rivals.com/Scout.com/ESPN.com)始終名列前茅,並且高居得分後衛中的第一名。

隨著身價的高漲,他也決定重新選擇他要加入的大學。換句話說,Rivers 15歲時對Coach Donovan的承諾,是個巴掌,只會讓Coach Donovan往後想起時,像一個又一個的耳光,打在他的臉上...(出處請見金曲獎得主-李宗盛的"給自己的歌") 而其他幾所籃球名校的教練一聽到這個消息,哪有不趕快行動的道理!而其中又以Duke,UNC,Kansas三所大學的招生動作最為積極。最後,就在Rivers參訪完Duke的校園之後,他向所有人宣布他將加入Duke大學,希望能在Coach K的指導下,做好進入NBA的準備!

目前的Rivers,是個得分能力極強,能切入,也有外線能力的得分後衛。但如同前文介紹的Marquis Teague一樣,他也必須在短暫的大學生涯中,證明自己能夠勝任控球後衛的工作。否則以他6呎4吋“打1號很完美,打2號則太矮”的身高,在NBA的發展將會受到很大的限制。
(完美的情況是變成加強版的的Jrue Holiday。最慘的狀況,大概是Ben Gordon吧...)

註:看到他的Last name,不曉得各位朋友有沒有又想到NBA的哪一號人物?猜猜看,等會解答~

2. Jared Sullinger



















6-10 281 pounds Ohio State So.
2011 Stat: 17.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 54.1 fg%, 70.4 ft%

Jared Sullinger是這兩年大學籃壇少見的正統內線人才。在剛結束的大一這一年,Sullinger憑藉著他6呎10吋(穿鞋後測量的身高)、280磅左右的重磅身材,加上純熟的內線腳步和柔軟的手感,可以說是殺爆了各隊的內線。Sullinger在內線如此強勢的表現,和Jon Diebler、David Lighty、William Buford組成的三分砲團形成了綿密的進攻火網,搭配Ohio State招牌的嚴密防守,讓Ohio State順利的彌補了Evan Turner離校的空缺。不僅長期盤據大學排名No.1的寶座,最後也以東區第一種子的身分進入NCAA 65強錦標賽。

Sullinger的新鮮人日記寫到目前為止,可以說是再順利也不過了。然而,不是每一個故事的主角最後都會過著幸福快樂的日子。Ohio State在錦標賽的強兩輪輕騎過關後,在第三輪-也就是俗稱的"Sweet 16"-遭遇由一群才華洋溢的大一新鮮人領軍的Kentucky大學。雙方從一開賽就一路拉鋸。從上半場打完,一直到剩下最後20秒,平手的局面一直維持著。這時候,同樣是超級新鮮人、Kentucky的Brandon Knight跳了出來,投進致勝的一球(整場比賽只投進3球、卻有6次失誤)!不僅送給Ohio State兩軍在錦標賽6場對戰以來的第一敗,更讓Ohio State只能打包行李,回家放暑假!

這一敗,讓好勝心極強的Sullinger決定放棄NBA選秀,返校再拼一年!

其實從帳面上看來,Sullinger在這場比賽中表現的相當優異。想想看,有多少個大一新鮮人能在如此關鍵的比賽中繳出::出賽39分鐘、投14中7、21分、16籃板 這樣的成績單?然而,他的幾個缺點-缺乏中距離投射能力、一對一防守能力、Conditioning-的確值得再利用一年的時間去改善。不只可以消除球探們心中的疑慮,也讓Sullinger有更妥善的準備去面對NBA level的賽事。

只希望Sullinger可以好好鍛鍊自己的身體,朝成為下一個Kevin Love努力,而不是變成下一個Sean May...或是Robert Traylor。



註1: Ohio State是一支滿值得觀察的球隊。隊上有滿多具有NBA潛力的球員,像是William Buford、DeShaun Thomas、Aaron Craft...

註2: Austin Rivers是Boston Celtics教頭Doc Rivers的兒子。你猜對了嗎?(若單以Austin比較白又比較帥的外表來看,其實是滿難聯想到Coach Doc的...)


to be continued....

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Future of NBA---Part 2

一年一度的選秀就這樣結束了。沒什麼驚天動地的大交易,小交易倒也不缺。選前傳的沸沸揚揚“No.2 Pick for_(請任意選填)_”並沒有發生,明尼蘇達灰狼不意外的在第二順位選了Arizona的Derrick Williams來跟他們的救世主Ricky Rubio搭檔,再一次的證明了,David Kahn腦裡在想甚麼,可能是人類歷史上最大的一個謎。

不過以上都不是這一篇的重點!送走了今年這批選手,又是展望來年的時候了。上一篇文章中介紹了兩個即將升上大學二年級的潛力前鋒,今天則要來看看幾個即將踏入大學校園的小伙子:

1. Anthony Davis



















6-11 208 pounds
College: Kentucky

說到這位長相奇特的一眉道長的發跡過程,可能是近幾年高中生招募中最傳奇的一個。在他高三那年,他只是個6呎3吋的矮後衛,在汪洋後衛海中載浮載沉。接著,神奇的事情發生了。在他高四那一年,他的身高暴增了7吋!!!(我也曾夢想著一覺醒來之後突然變成200公分這種事)而他在球場上的表現則告訴大家:突然增加的身高並沒有帶給他轉型的困擾,反而讓他成為有著中鋒身高,卻具有後衛技巧和敏捷性的全方位武器!
不過,突然暴增的高度,也讓他目前看起來異常的瘦(比賽時他往往會在球衣內多穿一件t-shirt,以遮掩他細如柴的手臂)在技巧和高度都不成問題的情況下(在兩大高中明星賽:McDonald's All-American和Jordan Classic都有優異表現),力量和對抗性會是他在大學(很可能只有一年)期間的主要課題。

2. Michael Gilchrist



















6-6 216 pounds
College: Kentucky

如果說Anthony Davis是高中生Class 11'的灰姑娘,那接下來要介紹的這位Michael Gilchrist就是這一梯的天子驕子了。
Gilchrist成名相當的早,早在他15歲,剛上高一的時候(天阿,大家15歲的時候都在幹嘛?),推廣美國高中/大學籃球不遺餘力的SLAM Magazine就有專文介紹他。許多關於他是“The Next Big Thing“的文章和影片,也在網路上如雨後春筍一般,一個一個冒了出來。也是從那時後開始,他就被視為Class 11'的No.1。即使後來Austin Rivers(Celtics教練Doc Rivers的兒子)和Anthony Davis急起直追,他的實力和天賦依舊是毋庸置疑的。關於Gilchrist最為人稱道之處,就是他防守的能力積極度和能力,還有他多元的進攻技巧。只不過,長時間身為同梯中的No.1,一些缺點就免不了被放大檢視。最值得注意的是他的外線投射能力,其實還有很大的進步空間。不管是姿勢的穩定度(最被詬病的是他的姿勢,見下圖)還是準度,都需要多多琢磨,未來才能以小前鋒,甚至得分後衛的角色在NBA發光發熱。




















3. Marquis Teague
















6-2 178 pounds
College: Kentucky

平常有在關心NBA的朋友們,看到這個名字,有沒有讓你想起某一位現役NBA球員?一位在今年季後賽表現出色,與年度MVP放對也毫不遜色的年輕後衛?沒錯,就是現在效力於亞特蘭大老鷹隊的Jeff Teague!接下來要介紹的這位全美高中第一控球後衛---Marquis Teague---就是他的弟弟。
說實在的,血緣關係在球場上沒那麼重要。但重點是這兩兄弟的球風和帶著一點Cockiness的態度還真是一個模子刻出來的!看看現在的哥哥,多少可以預測一下弟弟未來的發展。和哥哥一樣,Marquis也具備後衛應該有的出色運球技巧和閃電般的第一步。而外線,甚至比當年的哥哥還準上一些。不過,帶著一點Combo Guard味道的Teague,需要在短短的大學生涯(一般預測也會是個One-and-Done)中證明自己具有成為NBA 1號的組織能力和視野。否則以他僅僅6呎2吋的身高,將很難在NBA生存。

介紹完以上三個未來之星,不曉得有沒有眼尖的朋友注意到這三個分別在自己的位置(大前鋒,小前鋒,控球後衛)上排名第一的新鮮人(和加拿大籍的高白人射手Kyle Wiltjer),下個球季都將加入Kentucky大學,投入名教練John Calipari的麾下。這批全美媒體都評為第一的recruting class(註:John Calipari為Kentucky招募到的高中畢業生已連續三年都被評為全美第一)加上出乎意料決定留校再當一年大學生的Terrence Jones,以及同樣要升上二年級的板凳刺客Doron Lamb,Kentucky大學已經被眾多球評視為下個球季的奪冠大熱門!

如果有機會看到Kentucky大學的比賽(我想國內體育頻道應該還是不會轉撥,八九不離十),可別忘記注意上述幾個球員的表現!

註:John Calipari近三年的recruiting class,大家一起算算有多少人已經/有機會進入NBA:
2009- John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton, Jon Hood
2010- Brandon Knight, Terrence Jones, Enes Kanter(被NCAA當局黑掉了他的上場機會), Doron Lamb, Eloys Vargas, Stacey Poole
2011- Anthony Davis, Michael Gilchrist, Marquis Teague, Kyle Wiltjer


to be continued...

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Future of NBA---Part 1

寫完一小篇對2011選秀待選球員的介紹,突然有點意猶未盡。

來寫個2012可能參加選秀的球員介紹好了。

由於今年幾個出色、有樂透區潛力的大一新鮮人沒有如預期的棄學,加上即將進入大學就讀的幾個新鮮人,都是具有高中直接跳級NBA本錢的出色潛力股,所以目前看來,明年的選秀將會是個被低年級生主宰的選秀,特別是樂透區。接下來幾篇會好好介紹幾個非常值得注意的球員,你很快就會在NBA看到他們:

1. Harrison Barnes-



















6-8 210 pounds UNC So.
2011 stat: 15.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 42.3 fg%, 34.4 3p% 

身為北卡的球迷,自然要先關注一下自家的球員。Harrison Barnes大概是近幾年最受矚目的高中畢業生。除了本身具備的優異天賦和身體條件外,北卡和杜克為了他而引起的爭奪戰,也讓他的知名度水漲船高。(有興趣的話可以看看他公佈大學意向的記者會,挺有趣的)另外,當今美國當地媒體對於高中生的報導越來越多、越來越深(包括挑選他成為史上第一個入選Pre-Season All-American第一隊的新鮮人),也讓Harrison Barnes在還沒打過任何一場大學籃賽之前,就成為所有大學籃球迷矚目的焦點。
然而,當球季正式開打之後,他的表現卻是遠遠的不如季前預期。球季第三場、對上Minnesota大學的比賽中,12投0中、只靠罰球得到6分的表現,讓媒體和球迷紛紛開始發出"Overrated"的聲音。的確,在賽季的前半段,當北卡的進攻還掌握在另一個"Overrated"的控衛-Larry Drew (已轉學至UCLA,12-13球季才能上場)手上時,Barnes在半場陣地戰中始終無法得到好的進攻機會,快攻方面也因為缺乏良好的供輸而打不起來。(當時也有另外一個陰謀論指出,北卡教頭Roy Williams不希望Barnes太快打出成績然後棄學,因此在進攻上並沒有把Barnes設定成主攻手)
不過,天分擺在那,是不會被埋沒太久的。就在季中一場20分大敗給Georgia Tech的比賽後(喬治亞理工,Stephon Marbury和Chris Bosh的母校)之後,Roy Williams做了一個整季最重要的決定-將先發控衛的重責大任交給另一個大一新鮮人-Kendall Marshall。自此之後的20場比賽,北卡的戰績是驚人的17勝3敗,而無巧不巧的,Harrison Barnes在這20場比賽中的平均成績也全面上揚:

而且重要的是,你可以看到他一次又一次的展現他在球場上的殺手特質,屢屢在關鍵時刻投進致命球,然後帶領北卡迎接勝利。當然,他的缺點-缺乏切入能力、低於平均的運球能力、有待加強的出手時機選擇-都還需要時間改善,但是以他的天賦和良好的學習態度(主動要求參加NBA明星控衛Chris Paul為舉辦的CP3 Elite Guard Camp),我相信沒有球隊會願意錯過他的。

2. Perry Jones III-














6-11 235 pounds Baylor So.
2011 stat: 13.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.9 bpg, 54.9 fg%

今年選秀會的大驚奇!驚奇的原因不是他以黑馬之姿竄出,而是因為當大家都預期他會棄學投身選秀時,他卻以"尚未準備好面對NBA的生活"為由選擇在留校一年!這下子Baylor的教練Scott Drew要傷腦筋了,因為同樣類型的高中畢業生Quincy Miller馬上就要加入Baylor的陣容!到時候Baylor或許有機會排出2~5號都高於6呎10吋的陣容!?
焦點回到Jones III身上:6呎11吋的身高,7呎3吋的翼展,出色的運動能力,號稱內外兼修,能從2號打到5號。極具潛力,但距離成為完成品還有一段距離...這些形容詞不知道會讓你想到誰?Anthony Randolph?沒錯!許多國外的選秀預測網站就是把Jones III和Anthony Randolph相提並論,看看兩人的影片,撇開慣用手不同和瘦長的外型不說,兩者的確有許多相似之處。兩者都擁有以長人來說非常優異的手感和運球技巧,體能條件更是不在話下。但是,看看Randolph在NBA顛沛流離的發展,我不禁要為Jones III捏好幾把冷汗...到底該打三號還是四號?以去年賽季的比賽來看,Baylor的教練Scott Drew是把Jones III和隊中另一個同樣瘦長的Jones (Anthony)三、四號交替使用,讓Jones III也有從外圍自己帶球進攻的機會。筆者個人認為,長期來說這樣的方式對Jones III來說是好的:第一是為了進NBA轉型做準備;第二則是現在Baylor大學陣中也沒有夠水準的後衛能讓他在低位發揮(去年賽季LaceDarius Dunn歸隊之後,Jones III在進攻時根本拿不到球),不如拉出來打。

不過,如同前面提到的,明年超級新人Quincy Miller就要加入球隊!


在位置重疊的情況下,Jones III無可避免的將面對學弟的挑戰!(如同Kentucky大學的另一個Jones-Terrence Jones所面對的狀況) 即使Miller的球路比較外圍導向,但和Jones III還是有一定程度的重疊,屆時教練在陣容的安排上,勢必要好好思考一番!

to be continued...

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Players to Watch -- NBA Draft 2011

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2011 NBA Draft is only one day away. Before it officially gets going, let me write something about it.

Ok, this is, in relative term, a weak draft. Domestically or internationally, it lacks great talents like Tim Duncan in 1997 or LeBron James in 2003 (Or Dirk Nowitzki in 1999), who can single-handedly carry a team to promise land.(Ok, I know LeBron hasn't done it yet, but he indeed took the Cavs to final once and "single-handedly" transform the organization from pretender to "true contender".) But if you take one step further and look closer at the line-up, you might be amazed by how deep the talent-pool is and how great some good teams might benefit from this draft.

In a draft like this year's, nothing is concrete after the first 3~5 pick. We're now expecting Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams to be picked no.1 and 2, while the following 3 picks will be nothing other than Brandan Knight, Enes Kanter, and Kemba Walker, with Draft Day trade or not. What comes next will be a bunch of mysterious, international, second coming of Nowitzki or Ibaka (By the way, anyone who talks about Biyombo being the next Hakeem Olajuwon is MAD!!) and a group of college overachievers/underachiever who get looks in the lottery simply because a lack of talent in this year's draft. Since I'm only a watcher like you and do not have any inside information, I'm not going to make any bold estimation in this column. A few pieces on the players that interest me is what you about to read in following paragraphs:

Tyler Honeycutt-
6-8 187 pounds UCLA So.
2011 Stat: 12.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.1 bpg, 40 fg%, 36 3p%


The reason why I write about this UCLA product first is two-fold: one, he is a big possibility for my team Chicago Bulls at the end of 1st round; two, he's nice-looking. If he doesn't get drafted, "Entourage" could use his talent as well.  When I first saw Honeycutt, I was reminded of another UCLA product, now New Orleans Hornet forward Trevor Ariza. Both posses good length as a wing, great athletic ability, long wingspan, versatility, ability to defend multiple positions, to name a few. The only difference between them is that Honeycutt chose to spend another year in the academically and athletically prestigious school, which is a smart decision as we see it now, and to develop his game (and probably get more education).  His game evolved in Sophomore year, especially offensively, as he had more looks and opportunity to show off his arsenal. Plus, his rebounding number is impressive for a college wing. We can expect him to take this number with him as the rebounding ability best translate to next level. However, his thin frame raises concerns at the next level: will he able to take the contact and finish at the rim? Will he be able to absorb the body contact and penetrate? Will his shot fall consistently? I put a big question mark to these questions. But in a draft this caliber, expect his talent to be off the board in first round.

Malcolm Lee-
6-5 198 pounds UCLA Jr.
2011 Stat: 13.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2 apg, 43.7 fg%, 29.5 3p%


Another UCLA product. A Originally recruited by Ben Howland as a point guard out of high school. Didn't live up to the expectation (A top-40 recruit by Scout. com) during his freshmen campaign due to limited action with Darren Collison and Jrue Holiday taking over the position, nor did he perform well while he finally have the chance to show off as a sophomore. In sum, an experiment having him at the pg spot was a failure. Luckily for him, transition from floor leader to offense finisher in his junior season help demonstrate his athleticism and his occasional outside shooting stroke (which kinda reminds me of then-Chicago Bull: Thabo Sefolosha). With a few impressive workouts, in which he showed off his lock-down D and athleticism, as well as a history of "UCLA guards struggled in Ben Howland's system but flourish in NBA" now he's seen as a bubble first-rounder. Don't be surprised if you see his name called in the first round.


Josh Selby-
6-3 195 pounds Kansas Fr.
2011 Stat: 7.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 37.3 fg%, 36.2 3p%


I don't know what's wrong with Selby, he's too talent to fall to where he is right now...

Or it's just because he's too talent? 

Widely regarded as the No.1 recruit of class 2010, the former McDonald's All-American(and Slam Dunk Champion) committed to Kansas Jayhawk out of high school. However, his career was soon derailed by a sequence of controversy, suspension and injuries. Like Kyrie Irving, he would never have the chance to show the world how big a impact he could have on college basketball with a full season, only Mr. Irving seized the opportunity, maximized the 11 games and showcased his lottery, if not No.1 pick, talent while all Mr. Selby did was wasting it. 
No matter what, if you put those negatives aside and forget about the number he posed in those 26 games, you will find a uber-talented combo guard poised to thrive in current NBA. Remember Russell Westbrook? This might be a reach for Selby, but there's no doubt his talent could take him there.  
(Personally, I wish he falls to the hand of Chicago Bulls...a explosive guard with range out to the arc is worth the risk!!)

There are a lot more worth a look, but these 3 guards are the first bunch came to my mind. So I drop my words on them. I hope you enjoy it...

p.s. Talking about draft, I can't help but look back at each and every player's high school ranking. The correlation is quite interesting, similar to our education system: a seat in "star high school" doesn't guarantee a top university, and a those in small school aren't doomed to failure...   

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

New Car Segment--Working or Not Working?

Before I drop the article on NBA Draft, let me stop by at the cars, which is another favorite of mine.

The car industry is on the rise- at least in Taiwan- in recent year or 2. Carmakers, domestic or international, are introducing new cars and exploring new opportunity in new segments like Colombus did to the Americas few centuries ago. Honestly, as a car fans, I won't say I hate to see this happening. But so many new offering also trigger my curiosity: Why the hell do we need so many "compact car"?

I can't tell the beginning of this, all I remember is the launch of X5 in 1999 and its big success in luxury SUV, despite its true identiy a "SAV". Then, all of a sudden, "Crossover" became meaningful in somewhere other than on basketball court. You'd see BMW X3, X6, X1; Audi Q7, Q5, Q5, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class, R Class all coming out in the efforts to gain ground in the trend of "Crossover". --Please be noted, all I'm mentioning here is merely the collection of crossover SUV, it's gonna take me a few more lines to list you all other crossover sedan, crossover coupé...

I'm not saying to developing new opportunity is a bad thing. It's understandable that everyone is trying to be the first to somewhere so he/she can take the advantage. We witness this throughout human history: the aforementioned Colombus discover the Americas and claim the continent theirs; gold diggers worked their life off trying to find the fortune in Gold Rush and to be the next rags-to-riches legend; even in modern days, silly Korean is trying so hard to claim every great findings, every phenomenon, or even outstanding athletes is by, from, or is Korean.

However, modern-day car industry is not the Americas, nor is it 19th-century gold mine in San Francisco. They are identical in some ways- like they are fiercely competitive, but, down to the basics, this is a business of feeding consumers' needs. So why the hell those masterminds come up with all this different, confusing car segments and try to convince us that those differences matter? How big a difference would lie between the owners of BMW X5 and X6? Audi A4 and A5? If it's not that I'm too dumb to distinguish, then it must be something wrong with carmakers..., and their research house.

It's ok to build your product portfolio, but look at BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo (I call it the Fran"kar"stein), what a disaster!!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Start-Up

Have never thought about I will someday start blogging. The chances are-like Shaq start making consecutive free-throws or Alex Smith start throwing TD without interception-rare, but not impossible. Why now? Probably because I have nothing else to do at this moment and I try to prove to myself that I'm pragmatic. Ok, so what now? There are thousands of bloggers out there, what the hell I think I can stand out from those who found this an easy profession early enough to hold their own ground in this competitive business? Dunno, I can probably blame myself for not being smart to join this business earlier first and then scratch my head to come up with something "popular" to intrigue whoever might be interested. But that's terrible, I won't force myself into that kinda situation.
So this is what I'm going to write about in following months: basketball and music, or be more specific, hip-hop/R&B music--the love of my life(excluding my family and my girlfriend, I have to say this, otherwise I'll be too dead to continue my just-getting-started blog)

What you read in this blob is going to be generally my point of view and my thoughts on many things, objects, or phenomenon. Love it or hate it.

Let's get it started!!

Check this out...